Up and Coming Actor Jesse Kozel is One to Watch

Jesse Kozel is an actor that has found his ground in the last few years.

Once again I was able to catch up with another up and coming actor on the Hollywood Set. Jesse Kozel. I have been trying to hook up with this wonderful new actor for a while. He is so busy I had to get in line and take a number. But finally on Friday I was able to sit down with him for a few mintues. Jesse Kozel is an actor that has found his ground in the last few years. With the upcoming release of "For Christ's Sake" and the filming of both "Into the Basement" and "Once Upon a Christmas Dream", Kozel is surely making a name for himself. In the last year Jesse Kozel has worked on the films "Never Back Down" with Cam Gigandet, Sean Ferris, Amber Heard and Academy Award Nominee Djimon Hounsou, "Baitshop" with Bill Engvall and Billy Ray Cyrus, "Ace Ventura, jr." with Josh Flitter and Ann Cusack, "Beethoven's Big Break" with Johnathan Silverman, Rhea Perlman and Eddie Griffin, "Recount" with Kevin Spacey, Laura Dern and Dennis Leary and the groundbreaking film "For Christ's Sake". Growing up in New Jersey in the 80's with his grandmother as his legal guardian, Jesse found an escape from the world though film. He knew that Entertainment would be the industry he would work in and nothing was going to stop him. In 1994 Jesse moved to the town of Bradenton, Florida to live with his Aunt and Uncle, not long after he began attending Bayshore High School. After a year or so of trying to find his niche in his Sophomore year of high school Jesse discovered the theatre and from then on participated in everything they offered. As well as working with the award winning chior 'Music Makers', Jesse split his time equally between music and the Bayshore Theatre Company. During the same year the film "Great Expectations" with Gweneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke began shooting in the Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida area. "This was my shot to finally see a Hollywood film being made. I couldn't pass it up." On a dark late night Jesse and his Aunt Linda went to the nearby location on Coquina Beach. "I was nervous just watching them shoot." Eventually they were able to meet the star of the film Robert DeNiro and some of the other cast members. "It was so great to see them at work and to know they were just normal people. It's exactly what I wanted to do and they were teaching me with out even knowing it." Soon after "Great Expectations" shot, the film "Palmetto" with Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Shue began filming. "Hollywood had come to my home and I couldn't believe it. I went to the set a few times on "Palmetto" and finally got in a background shot. It felt amazing. Though it wasn't a real job yet, but I got to feel what it would be like." From then on after high school Jesse has pursued Acting as a career. Working in theatre, film and television over the last few years but finally landing a dream role in 2007 as the Clone of Jesus Christ in "For Christ's Sake". This film is in the horror genre but it contains elements of drama, sci/fi and thriller as well. "It's the most challenging role I've ever been offered to date. There may never be another character quite like the clone that Dustin Hubbard wrote." Jesse says the film will "Blow your mind. It's not for the light of heart and it will take you on a journey you never thought a horror themed film involving religion would ever go." "For Christ's Sake" is written and directed by Dustin Hubbard and also stars Debbie Rochon (American Nightmare, Colour from the Dark), Nicola Fiore, Michael Kenneth Fahr and contains cameos from Monique Dupree, Peter Stickles, Lloyd Kaufman among others. The film is an Independent release and has no set date for release yet. "Into the Basement" is the next film on Jesse's schedule, where he will be stepping into the role of Detective Scott Langely. From writer Norm Applegate and Director J.L. Botelho, "Into the Basement" is set to begin production soon, look for a release next year. This dark twisted tale is bound to send shivers up your spine and make you check your backseat before you get into your car after seeing the film. Jesse plans on continuing to work as an actor for "as long as people hire me." He is currently living in Orlando, Florida, but travels to Los Angeles and New York City often for work. You can contact Jesse though any of his agencies in Florida or directly though his website at jessekozel.com or his myspace page at myspace.com/kozel. Also visit Jesse's Imdb page at imdb.com/name/nm2779416/

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Yvonne Mason, Published Author Bounty Hunter and Motovational Speaker Author of Stan's Story, A Touch of Love, Tangled Minds, Brilliant Insanity and soon to be released true crime Silent scream